please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Quite nice bar, but too many mothers and babies, can be a little off putting if you just want to go and chill out.
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must do better
anonymous - 3 Oct 2007 12:09 |
Yummy mummy � that�s a phrase that make you grind your teeth and mutter vague obscenities at fellow oyster card carriers on public transport isn�t it. I suspect that YM is a term quite happily tossed around by the �YM� themselves, even if they are far on the wrong side of 30, having lost their best years in climbing the greasy pole of corporate success. You never hear of single mothers on peckham estates being described as YM do you ?
Scummy mummy maybe.
Hmmmmm
Anyway, the Bishop, If you like your YM's hot and local, then you will feel right at home here in the afternoons, where legions of buggies and their precious loads battle for space on the distressed oak beam flooring. The ramshackle mismatched tables and chairs will be piled high in bar food and swimming in drinks for mothers and "remarkably gifted" children alike.
I had the pleasure of witnessing a mumbling toddler of maybe 2 years old, gurgling in his buggy and proudly clutching his obviously treasured copy of " my first 1000 words in German".
I dont think I know 1000 words in English to be honest
Anyway, enough cheap sarcastic comment and back to the pub
The interior is surprisingly spacious ( GCH Not tested ), with a bar big enough to make paying for drinks relatively hassle free � and they serve your change on a silver ( coloured ) platter. Nice touch. OK range of beers, including ubiquitous real ales and a decent range of bottles. The depth of the pub and the layout mean its quite easy to get nestled in and enjoy the evening. It does however, get rather busy at the weekends, with punters spilling onto the street, much to the chagrin of the local residents .
It�s missing something though. Not sure what � there�s nothing to get irked about, the staff are pleasant, beer good, service and foot quite acceptable, But that�s where it ends. Its neither a destination to aim for, nor a local to feel quite comfortable in � maybe the intrinsically transient nature of the evening crowd- early- mid 20�s renters and first time buyers don�t really cement the place.
The most memorable and commented feature of the Bishop is that it�s got a sleek dog that lurks inside. A weimaraner to boot � a hunting dog, stuck in the seething melee of inner city london & doesn�t hunt any more.A pleasant enough hound, but a bit wasted.
Quite apt for the Bishop in some ways.
anonymous - 3 Oct 2007 10:58 |
Great pub - friendly, good food, excellent value and a great pub dog. I often take friends and family of all ages and everyone speaks very highly of it.
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A magnificent bar! Possibly the best in South London. Everything about this place stuns. The manager is a GOD!
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Great pub, lovely bar staff. Always busy. Has front and back open space often with locals spilling out onto the streets. Highly recommended.
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we liked thi place' they alloiwed us to biring how dog';s in here and let them run aoround/ we had a nice time here
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we camin he re with how dog,s atfer going to the dllitch park the drink iher is quiet nice and the pople heir where youngbut fiendly, everyone was talkind loud sowe had to take how dog,s ouside because they starred berkind but it did dnt spoyall our time the fode heir was taste there were no littql pople heir all hor hor hor
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Celightful!! Came here on birthday and had a wonderful time indeed, even saw Nesbitt over in the corner!!!!
All credit to the manager (name unknown) and a jolly good crowd. Utterly splendid. No little chavs or 'working class' at all. Well done manager!!
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There's not a lot to criticise about this place: good d�cor, friendly staff, helplful doormen, reasonably priced selection of decent beers.
If anything, it is a bit anonymous and detached in this place - my other favourite East Dulwich haunt is far more personable, but that's just a quibble. The later opening hours make up for it.
Food is not bad - though my one caveat is that I bought fish and chips, but the chips were charged separately! Come on guys!
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The Bishop is a good solid pub with good opening hours and friendly door staff.
The bar staff are in the main friendly and helpful and, if like me you're a guiness drinker, you will often get your drink brought to your table when it's ready.
Speaking of tables it can be a pain if you don't get one - weekend afternoons especailly the place is full of yummy mummy family types, which can be a pain.
Food-wise, it is very good, though I was dismayed when I ordered fish and chips that it wasn't one complete dish. I was charged separately for the chips. Come on guys!
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"a light supper with my wife and friends." COSOVEREIGN90's comments tell you everything you need to know about the people who go in here. you don't know a good babysitter do you?
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I lunch here at least once a week and I always enjoy the food, top notch.
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�3.60 for a pint! You've got to be having a laugh!
Also, why are you given your change on a tray? What is the purpose of this?
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Excellent pub, lovely interior, barmaids, food, dog, beer!! Good stuff!!! Please open one in Watford!!
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this bar, a real jewell of the south, as a resident of east dulwich, i have to say this is by far the best pub on lordship lane.. the staff and the dog make it a pleasure to frequent. i hear the owner has also has snapped up a pub in the peckham rye area.. no doubt it will too be a winner
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well since the re vamp... the locals have walked and the new crowd have massed.. this bar is one jewel of the south,, it's always busy and the wondering dog "clarence" is always a pleasure to see... all in all a great pub, and i hear it's a privately owned chained with a few others dotted around, so if you know them... go there too as i feel they'll be just as good
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I rate this pub highly - I've used it with family, on my own, for a light supper with my wife and with friends. Itr has never been less than way above average - often it has been brilliant. Staff are friendly, helpful and make time to make all customers feel a part of the party - yet aware enough to leave me alone with a pint and the paper too when that's what I want.
Recently visitors from Germany were really impressed with the table service - such a rarity in a British pub. I note someone complained about children and the dog. The "all are welcome" approach that The BIshop espouses and delivers so well is part of its considerable charm - there are too many pubs that deal with one, very specific, audience - a pub where yummy mummies mix with a tattooed builder who is sitting next to the chap reading the Times is a rare success.
I will continue to return with friends and family - even more often when the smoking ban comes in - tho' the libertarian in me dislikes the idea of gov't interference in individual's choice.
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Glad you enjoyed yourself caz777
Indeed dogs are more than welcome. So long as they don't bark too much, are kept on a lead and get on well with Clarence (the pub dog).
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Visited this pub on Saturday night and really enjoyed it great atmosphere, lovely wine by the glass which is a rare!
Is it true you're allowed to take dogs in there in the daytime?!
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Yes, I must admit that the bishop is a cut above the other pubs on lordship lane that I mentioned, I apologise for that, and I have never had any complaints with the bishop. My gripe is with the number of 'trendy' pubs that lordship lane and other streets like it are now made up of, which i feel actually reduces the amount of choice the modern drinker has. When I lived in Dulwich, I found myself going to The Castle as it was one of the few pubs in the area which still feels like a pub. Like the guy earlier who referred to the Forresters as a 'hell hole', it seems that anything old or that still reflects the personality of the area it is in are looked down upon. Dont get me wrong, I wasnt a huge fan of the forresters though. I'm not alone in feeling this, looking through the reviews of the bars in clapham, dulwich, etc their seems to be a large market for people who want simple no nonsense pubs. I think the Alexandra in Clapham Common is a good example of this. Is there really no room on our high streets for pubs with a modern approach, and old fashioned traditional pubs?
I'm going to try out the clarence probably this weekend. Dont get me wrong, I'm not having a go at the bishop, its very well run and pleasant to be in...I'm probably just being overly critical because its nice to have a pub owner actually respond to reviews! Keep up the good work!
pejpm - 18 Jan 2007 10:33 |
Dear pejpm
We eschew the term 'gastropub'.
In this day and age that tends to mean that a pub has had a lick of paint, stuck a tenner on the price of a main meal, but has the original chefs (used to serving chicken in a basket)knocking out poorly executed dishes.
We are a pub , with a modern approach. Whence table service (whether you are eating or drinking), no charge. Eat where you like, drink where you like. Well thought out music (not staff's CDs). Clean loos. Clean ashtrays.
We attempt to (fairly well i think) produce recognisable pub grub, to a high and affordable level. No fusion. No confusion.
I do agree about the supposed 'uptrading' of high street pubs. We aspire to give 'a local country pub feel' to a london pub. This is cemented by the amount of regulars that frequent us.
.........not happy about being lumped in with the other pubs you mentioned.
If you live near 'the abbeville' you should visit our other pub 'the clarence', on balham high road
I await your response
scott
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maybe the point is that people dont always want a 'minced angus steak burger' in a 'sourdough onion roll'. The problem is that the average high street are being filled to the brim with places which are all pretty much identical with no real character or soul. the bishop, the magdela, the uplands etc etc I think that the bishop is an example of this. It's good for what it does, I have no complaints about the service or the general running of the pub, it just makes me sad that it seems that only 'gastropubs' are acceptable for the modern drinker. My local pub, the abbeville, even asks drinking customers to vacate tables if people turn up wanting to dine!! I know this has nothing to do with the bishop, i just think that decent old style pubs are so few and far between, and this is a bad thing.
P.s. i think its great that you check this and respond to reviews, most landlords wouldnt.
pejpm - 14 Jan 2007 20:54 |
I think The Bishop is great and it's really good to see that the views posted on here are addressed by the owner. Great news that the pub is expanding to create more space.
I agree that it is sometimes very smoky in there - but that will be resolved on the 1st July anyway. Can't wait!
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dear kriekboozer,
(your comment only appeared on the site today, 7 jan).
I thought you would be happier now that i have made the magician disappear !?
Not sure what your actual complaint is, i am assuming that the pub is too busy on a weekend evening for you, if so....you are absolutely right. That is why there will be another bar built on the first floor within the next 3 months. We have already put a second kitchen up there to improve the food service.
if i have mis-assumed perhaps you could elaborate on your two bad visits...please
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firstly, i apologise about my username/pub name....i have never been to ipswich.
secondly, the last six or so reviews have only just appeared here ( there must have been a BITE problem), i will try to address them forthwith:
the 'burger & chips' should be special for 'the best part of a tenner'... It is a minced angus steak burger , with a sourdough onion roll( baked specially for us ), chilli sauce on the side, aged cheddar and fresh garnish. The chips are made using a variety of potato that has taken us nearly four years to source.
If anyone has any problems with the meal that is presented with them , then please please mention it to a member of staff at the time, it is alot easy to rectify any problem there may be at there and then an prevent it happening again.
We are happy to change dishes or refund money on the very odd occasion that things aren't up to par.
Dear true , thankyou for your apology
Dear anonymous, did you mention the smoke and food issue to any staff during your visit ? i would be interested to know their response (if you don't mind). I am glad you like the dog (clarence), i apologise for my 'god-like' demeanour (maybe dog-like would be more fitting). Sometimes to a customer's eye a may come across a bit haughty, this is because whenever i in any of my pubs i am contantly looking for faults or ways of improving the offering. i don't often have a lot of time on my hands, so tend to march around pointing out observations to any staff present (as you can imagine , they love my frequent little visits).
scott
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One good visit out of three is not a very good return. The best time to enjoy this pub is during a weekday afternoon. Saturday evenings are a bit of a nightmare. it's going the same way as Thhe Castle, God rest it's soul. No wonder he sold up.
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I'd agree with Headley. The food is definitely overpriced. The food is good without being great. for the prices that are charged you would expect better. The last time I was there, a burger and chips came to the best part of a tenner, and it was ok, not that special.
headley :- are you joking with your post??
"the kind of hell-hole that presented a catalyst for social derogation to manifest itself in an area."
the forresters was a bit rough and ready, but i drank there quite a lot and never saw any trouble in there. If you are happy to see every pub on the high street become a clone, then fine. but i think their are quite a few people that still want to drink in places with a pool table, old style bar snacks, and not 'chips with aloli'!!!
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One of my many locals and probably my favourite. Superb atmosphere and very individual decor. Food excellent aside from somewhat flaccid Chips (also a bit of a meagre portion for �2.50). Probably the best Sunday Lunch too!
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Visited this pub just recently, not that impressed, food was average ('homemade' chips were hard and cold, burger was undercooked when we asked for well done), the wine we wanted was out of stock and the place was so smokey it was making me choke. The owner (assuming thats the guys with the skin head) swans around the place like he's god. Shame because the dog is great!
anonymous - 26 Oct 2006 16:11 |
A really great pub!
Ticks all the right boxes: Great food, Staff, Service etc. I drink in here at LEAST twice a week and bring friends along whenever their in town.
Being a local (32 years and counting) and seeing how the area has changed in this time, I�m glad to call this place my local pub.
Those of you who have been around East Dulwich long enough to remember the Foresters Arms before the 1st refurb will know what I�m talking about.
So, staff/management keep up the good work!
Leroy - 25 Oct 2006 15:52 |
Have been to The Bishop twice in the last couple of months and could not fault it at all. The food was fab, how do you make the burgers and chips soooo tasty! and well budvar on draught what more could you ask for. Really don't understand the comment about the food and the budvar being overpriced, you could pay those prices in Sheffield and its not nearly of the same standard. The staff were attentive but yet it had a really laid back relaxed feel.
Myself and my Partner are due to move to East Dulwich in a couple of weeks, we are looking forward to The Bishop being our local and will definitely be sampling the infamous Sunday Lunch!
Well done The Bishop
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thanks for the kind words 'headley'. However, which food do you think is 'slightly overpriced'?
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Hear-Hear!! � All of this bitchin about the Bishop is not on! � The place is, in my humble opinion the best Public House in the East Dulwich area. There are a number of other fabulous drinking establishments which collectively offer a diversified experience in the local area, but by far the Bishop typifies the positive independent gentrification which is now so rare in London. From my understanding and correct me if I�m wrong; the former �Foresters Arms� was the kind of hell-hole that presented a catalyst for social derogation to manifest itself in an area. The Bishop has presented not only a strong even keel balance between somewhere that during the weeks is hospitable enough that the general day-time clientele comprises of mothers with children and local business representatives conducting meetings; and somewhere that come evening, people orientate toward to celebrate each-other�s company. The music is good, the food is good [although slightly over priced � apart from the Sunday roast] and the staff provides a character of their own � I mean what do you want somewhere that is just sterile and void of genuine personality? > I think not. Be thankful that there are places like the Bishop preside rather than a �harvest eater� or McDonalds�
Plus � If there are �chavs� who occasionally frequent the place � What would you prefer? > For some heavy weight corporate investment in local regeneration come in, which would drive the poor chavs out by making all the living cost sky-rocket�.
Come on � tell me I�m wrong, let�s hear those whinnying little tones about how I don�t like this and I don�t like that � Then remember you sound like a sniveling little sap! Perhaps I can buy you a baby-sham darling! Hahaha�
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Reading some past mixed reviews on service in the Bishop and just had to pipe-in with another in its defence. This is a pub where I never wait long at the bar, until the friendly face of Joe shows up to serve me or where Neil, the fab manager, who knows his stuff when it comes to food and wine, and even during a packed night, runs his floor with good service, yet still takes the time to say �hello and welcome back� and remembers my drink even.
There are a lot of pubs around, but not a lot which offers such great service so consistently by its main staff. Hope you pay them well, Scott! Neil, Bertie and Joe especially deserve it! Great service makes this pub. It remains my chosen local for that alone (though the chips/fresh aioli and chorizo bread def help!).
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sorry you feel that way boss_hogg, however...
I am the owner not the manager.
I do not 'slag off' rival bars.
I use BITE to monitor customers feelings about my own pubs & have only ever made a comment on one other pub, 'the windmill on the common',which is neither a rival or a bar (being a pub, in clapham five miles away).
It would be helpful if you could give me a little more information regarding your observations on 'the bishop'.
thanks for your time
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Boss_Hogg, You don't have a clue what you're talking about. Have been going to the Bishop for ages and have found the service to be exemplary, never been to a pub where the staff have made such an effort.
Having looked at a number of reviews that you have posted it has become apparent to me that you have one of two things, firstly a pretty depressing outlook on life for finding fault in so many of the pubs that you have been to. And, secondly, you appear to have a serious amount of time on your hands enabling you to frequent the array of pubs that you have and then to sit in your room, I presume a bedsit, to write such things whilst you wait longingly for someone to answer your lonely hearts post. I suggest you look for the good in places and you will, in doing so, be a happier person.
keep up the great work The Bishop, you're doing a fab job!!
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Not a fan. This place tries way too hard. All very contrived and self-conscious.
I notice the manager has been slagging off the service in rival bars (good work, thebishop). To be honest, I think he should sort out his own gaff first. On the couple of occasions I have been, I found the staff abrupt and distant.
If you are a mullet-haired 'new meeja' type or pushing a three-wheeled buggy- it'll probably be right up your street.
anonymous - 24 Aug 2006 12:43 |
I don't like the Bishop at all. Its full of students who shout self-confidently at eachother. Had to leave because the Hooray "Ra,ra,ra" Henrys were spoiling my evening. By the way, manager seems to love himself a bit too much too. Look in the mirror...
anonymous - 16 Aug 2006 17:31 |
markfresh, glad you made it back and had a better experience. Coincidentally this friday was the first day that the doorstaff had to abide by a new 'code of conduct'. We do not have door 'supervisors' out of choice, it is a license necessity. Unfortunately the guys that are trained with the necessary 'sia' badges cannot differentiate between clubs and pubs. We are trying to increase their customer awareness
cheers
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Please ask your bouncers not to block the pavement outside at the weekend. They are big but it's not clever.
That aside, I went back and I like it. Two of us went on a Saturday afternoon for a bite to eat, and I'm the first to admit I'm quite fussy but the food at the Bishop was superb. We had chilli squid and a burger and along with a nice summer ale it was a great experience and we left very satisfied.
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dearest andrea
perhaps a smoke signal if you feel the whistle is impractical ?
I walk clarence more than anyone , how do you think i stay so young and athletic looking ?!~
In precisely four weeks from today there will be a new suite of six ladies toilets opening on the first floor of the bishop.
I hope this placates you for a while
scott
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What a great idea Scott!! Why didn't I think of that before?? Whistling to you in a pub that is so noisy you can't even hear the person sitting next to you. I will try that next time I'm there. Hope your ears are good enough to hear my whistle.
We went to Tooting the other day and stopped at your other pub. It is just as good as The Bishop, lovely interior, friendly staff.The toilets are much nicer though then in The Bishop.
Why don't you ever walk your own dog?? I keep seeing that dog with the staff from the pub.
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my very humble apologies andrea
which member of staff did you ask to send me over ?
maybe you should have just clicked your fingers or whistled ?
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Very disappointed Scott!!
I was in the Bishop the other day and you were there as well. Since you had promised me a drink and a chat I asked one of the staff to send you over to our table but you were quite rude ignoring my wish, probably thinking that it is a wind-up. On top of that you went up to a few people you obviously knew and then you disappeared as usual. Never mind. Had a nice chat with Mark instead, he is very professional, hope you pay him well.
By the way, lovely coffee you do in there.
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dear andrea
thankyou for your kind comments.
I am glad Mark (the G.M.) takes care of you . I live above the bishop so am in there every single day, however, there are two other pubs thqat i have to haunt on a regular basis.....But let me know when you going to be in next and i will happily buy you a drink and have a chat.
The 'fight' was more handbags at dawn, and Mark is very good with handbags
cheers
scott
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Probably the best pub in the area. Great nosh! I wish Scott would show his face a bit more often, i too would like to chat with him about the pub.
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I have to say The Bishop is one of the nicest pubs I have ever been to and that is a compliment since I have only been to 2 pubs in my life.
Only joking!!
There is a very frienly atmosphere in there, lovely staff especially the general manager, who always makes sure that we are happy with everything.
The only thing I don't like about it is that I never see the owner there. Whenever I go to the Bishop he is always absent. Why is that? Where is he? I would really like to have a chat with him about... well, of course about the pub.
One other thing that could be improved on is the speed of the doormen. Last night there was a fight inside the pub and it was the general manager who had to seperate two gugs. Where were the doormen?
Probably playing "Ghosts" with the owner!!!
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I really like the Bishop. I do not understand how it could be called pretentious. The bar staff are friendly, the service is good although I love table service I am reticent to leave my card behind the bar. This is no offence to the people who work there but rather a precaution after several warnings from my bank about this practice. Keep up the good work. The taste in music is good as well!
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Wow KRSONE you are a picky one.... Where to start.
In our defence we do not think of ourselves as a gastro pub, more a traditional pub with a modern approach.
The air purifiers may need servicing ao we will look into that toute de suite.
Clarence (the dog) does ignore everybody you are absolutely right....I will now go and beat him in order to make him more attentive.
Being a tied pub our choice of lager is restricted, however Budvar is generally perceived to be one of the best draught lagers (mainstream) available, it has won numerous gold medals and is made to such a high level (with no additives etc) that it is suitable for vegans. There will also be an increased bottle beer offering as of next week.
Not sure what an uber chav posh & becks wannabee looks like, if you can elaborate i can maybe bar them, or hire them a stylist.
And lastly.. when you say the landlord always looks stressed etc... do you mean the owner or the general manager ?
cheers
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Ultimate East Dulwich pretentious pub. Incredibly smokey, considering it likes to think of itself as a bit of a gastro pub. Lovely dog, (although it does ignore everybody). Landlord always looks stressed and miserable. Poor selection of draught lager. Always very busy with uber chav Posh & Becks wannabees. Only recommended for a drink on a weekday afternoon.
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This is one of the best pubs I have ever frequented. Since moving back to the area on it's opening week it has become my local of choice and I take friends and family there frequently (too frequently) knowing the food is excellent (squid salad and risottos to die for) and the staff extremely friendly ie always remember you and make you feel welcome even if you aren't on first name terms with them! It has just the right mix of trendy and relaxed so you can take parents as well as enjoy a usual single night out on the town in there. If you live in the area and haven't been in here you are missing out or boring with no stomach for excellent and generous portioned food!!! Madness!
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Nice enough place, this, if a bit on the 'Observer Magazine'-pretentious side of things ('Horseradish creme fraiche' with your sunday roast, anyone?). Oh, and the sign on the men's toilets used to be Hank Williams, but they replaced him with Johnny Cash for some reason. Perhaps Hank wasn't fashionable enough.
Only Budvar on tap, lager-wise, but a decent range of bottles - and a nice decor, friendly enough staff and decent enough food. Child friendly early in the day on weekends, but it can get rammed on weekend-nights. And not just rammed - boiling hot, too. Come on, manager, stump up for some air conditioning, won't you?
eelio - 17 May 2006 10:48 |
Fabulous! Each visit is an experience, sexy owner, fancy a date Scott ?
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Visited last night. Slightly bizarre seating arrangements, but can't really fault it. There's a beer garden round the back for the approaching summer evenings! Nothing really jumped out at me as being "great" though.
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I really like it here. I remember when it was the forresters, and whilst I agree that old style pubs do have a place on the high street, I think the bishop is infinitely more preferable to the spit n sawdust hostile atmosphere of the forresters.
My only gripe with the bishop is the volume of the music....its so so quiet! They do play good music there, but you can only hear it if your in on an afternoon! Obviously I want to be able to hold a conversation with the person sitting next to me, but on a friday night I think that having the music a tad louder would really improve (the already great) atmosphere. I thought it was just me, but all my friends that go to the bishop think that same thing. Anyway, this is only a small criticism/suggestion, keep up the good work!
pejpm - 24 Apr 2006 12:52 |
Good clacker. Good dog. Good burgers.
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dear mscheeky, how very dare you.
I am not sure what kind of operation you think I am running at the bishop...Pimping out my General Manager is not what i generally do.
However if you send me a picture and vital statistics i will see if you are up to his very high standards
scott
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dear scott, my colleague and I really rate your pub, good service, decent food.I have spent many a lunch time admiring your chief barman,I know he likes me too.Would you be a sweatheart and fix us up on a date?Just think of all the custom our wedding party would bring you.
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Excellent, really nice vibe, excellent, friendly staff, fantastic dog, everythings just great.
anonymous - 30 Mar 2006 21:54 |
This pub is very fabulous. Weekend party loving, unpretentious vibey, modern retro, community serving, fit& friendly, hot-diggity-dog! I have had a few spicy evenings in here. Well kept beers, (bring back the Old Bob), great seating and lighting, buzzy crowd is served by an attractive team who seem to know their onions. I have been in for quiet paper reading or the full Saturday night session; both work. The Sunday roast is truly a thing of splendour. I had a nice juicy red grape too, in fact all the food rocks and not too pricey. The management really seem to care about what they are doing here. I am by no means local but I am happy to make the trip to this altar of frisky fun; it surprises me how many reviewers on this site are happy to bash the Bishop. I say make him Pope!
mooky - 28 Mar 2006 17:28 |
Initially was not over keen on the decor - esp. at the front - but probably the best totty in SE22, including a rather sweet but not paticularly competent barmaid!
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who is that gorgeous barman in the Bishop, the one with the brown curlyish hair?
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I could not love a place more! 10/10! I've been living in E Dulwich for 2 years, 1 year with my boyfriend, during which time the horrific Forresters thankfully changed into this gem! We used to be in there every Saturday morning for their fantastic brekkies, and it's still by far our favourite place to drink. Really friendly staff (gorgeous Clarence goes without saying). Would recommend it to anyone who's in the area. Can get incredibly packed on a Sat night, but that's to be expected. Great food, atmosphere and service. I'm leaving in September and The Bishop is one of the things i will miss most about East Dulwich.
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I really love this pub. I love the high table seats by the window, especially when sunny. I think the hound is great. It has a friendly atmosphere, good Guinness, attentive/helpful staff and is on my way to the girlfriends place. I think they make a real effort. A gem.
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Dear True,
My sincerest apologies for upsetting and scaring you with my ugly expression, I feel that I went too far. In my defence the bar was heaving and I did remain calm and polite until the 5th time that you asked me for a tray and then asked another bar person who confirmed what I had already told you. I really wasn't lying to you.
I hope that you and your friends have not been put off from visiting the Bishop again because it is a lovely place and so are the people in it (although we are yet to hire an in house magician).
My apologies again. x
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markfresh. Thankyou for your follow-up. I have spent a small fortune on three air purefying machines AND three extractors.
It is however possible that in my absence, my 'team', forgot to turn the bloody things on.. I have since this incident locked them all in a small store cupboard, with no ventilation, and made them all smoke twenty cigarettes (including the no-smokers). I think they got the message.
Roll on next summer's smoking ban, with less menial tasks for the staff to remember I can probably get away with hiring chimpanzees...
Introduce yourself to myself or Mark (the general manager) and your first rounds on me...
cheers
scott
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dear true. thankyou for taking the time to post your experience. I am looking into this incident now. It is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated
regards
scott
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I find it refreshing that a pub owner reads reviews and answers them on here, I tip my miter to you Mr Bishop, and thank you for correcting my spelling mistake from another pub review I wrote 12 months ago.
We visited the Bishop on a Thursday night, it's obviously busy for a reason and I think we will give it another go, perhaps we missed something first time around. Someone noted there's a Clean Air sticker on the door, would it be possible to make the air cleaner please. Oh, and I agree that Czech Budvar is a great drink, how could anyone dispute that.
Hooley, I've only been to the Rye once and drunk Guinness, I didn't eat there or see the Ros� price but thanks for the warning
Cheers
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Firstly i would like to say that i am very fond of this pub being one of my locals, it has always been a pleasure meeting my girls there for a bottle of red wine. Oh and great chunky chips.
Although my recent visit has thrown me. Im not one to to be so easily shocked although asking for a tray (very politely) the other Friday night (ok maybe 2 or 3 times as i had a few drinks in my tummy) to carry 5 drinks to our table. One of the girls lost it and shouted at me saying they didnt have any - with an very ugly expression.
I have worked in 3 bars in Brighton and never in all my days have i seen or been spoken to like that. I was horrified!!
A new guy that had only been working there a few days came up to apologise to me...bless him.....kinda the wrong person though if you ask me.
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Dear mr fresh, would you mind letting me know which night you visited The Bishop. I find it hard to believe that it was really busy and yet still had no atmosphere.. Am also very concerned that you were charged �3.20 for a pint. The most expensive beer on draught is �3 for Czech Budvar, 'one of the world's truly great beers', according to the legendary beer writer Michael Jackson. Pro rata I would say that was good value unless you were happier paying 10p less for something brewed in bedford under a european label ? I do however agree that the rye and the gowlett are worth a visit, but disagree with your spelling of 'definitely' in your review of the green in clerkenwell.
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How can Mark Fresh say that the Bishop is overpriced and then recommend the Rye!! They charge �6.50 for a glass of Rose' and nearly �10 for bangers and mash. Please.
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Really busy, really smokey, really over priced and not much atmosphere. Go to the Gowlett or the Rye instead. Drink here and you're promoting the �3.20 a pint bar prices that seems to be taking over London
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the new pub is called 'the clarence' and is in balham. 90-92 balham high road. Opens monday 13th feb at midday. Thankyou all for your support
scott
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Well I haven't been to the pub in a while and I am glad to say that my opinions of the place haven't changed at all. Still a great place to go for a drink with mates. The staff are friendly and there are a couple of stunners behind the bar. Not that that should have any affect on where you chose to eat and drink...!! Ha as if! I heard word a while back that there is a new pub opening soon by the same guys who own The Bishop, all I need to know is where and when?! I am sure that if it has the same service and vibe as this place then it will be a great success! Good luck with that if it is true! I'll have a larger please...
anonymous - 8 Feb 2006 13:18 |
Now there's a fine example of immediate and appropriate respone to consumer comment. keep up the fine work at The Bishop. We're loving it.
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dear tinylittlejohnners, thankyou for your complimentary words and for taking the time to let me know about slack staff. you will be pleased to know that the girls in question since been fed to the dog.
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I do wish people would stop complaining about getting change on a tray - whatever it's made out of. It doesn't mean you have to leave a tip - it's still optional, and your money doesn't end up covered in beer because it's been put on the bar because you were chatting to your mates about the football last night.
My boyfriend and I have been going to the Bishop regularly sice it was re-opened. The atmosphere is good, the wine selection is excellent and the food is inspired. The thing I like most about The Bishop is that is has so many personalities that you can feel comfortable going in on your own to read the paper.
I agree with the fact that children running around is a problem in a pub/bar but surely this is the parents responsisbilty. I mean should the children be in a smokey pub environment in the first place?
My only complaint is that we had to walk out last week because the girls behind the bar were too busy chatting to each other to bother serving us. We waited quite a while too. Let's hope it's better next time!
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Re: the previous comment, �3 a pint is the norm in SE22 these days - not many places where it's cheaper, and let's face it, we're paying for the whole experience - the ambience, facilities, etc.. If price was the only consideration I'd get 6 cans of Beck's for a fiver from the Payless across the road and drink 'em on Goose Green!!!
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i like this one alot, the bishop has done so well since opening and has brought a good service standard that was desperately lacking.... however.. �3 a pint? Better contact the bank manager
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great place, nice people, fairly priced
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OK, I've only been here once, but I really loved it. Great food, beer, service, environment, etc. I see there were a few comments about change on a silver tray, to be honest this seems common practice in most reputable establishments and I'd rather tip these guys than most other staff I've met
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Hi there, been to this establishment on a number of occasions and am very impressed with it. The food is of a really great quality and I was assured by the waiter type bloke that it is all home made, was thrilled to hear that. Great prices all things considered aswell. The one thing that really makes the place for me is the staff, not only are they all very personable but they also appear to take an interest in you. I am always impressed when someone remembers my drink when i come into a pub. Oh and they are all gorgeous. The look and the feel of the place is fantastic. Great sounds.
If you get a chance have the Sunday Lunch, oh my goodness...but I must warn you that it is really popular and one week we got there too late and there was no room for us to eat our favourite meal, oh well, there's always next week.
Can't recommend this place enough.
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What is so great about this bar???? I found it a little pretentious for my liking...
anonymous - 18 Oct 2005 00:16 |
I love this pub. The staff are lovely and the service is excellent. The food is good and reasonably priced. Long live the Bishop.
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I totally agree with my wife about this pub! Top class establishment with extremely helpful, polite, friendly and downright good looking management and staff.
My missus left her jacket in here the other day when we left at about 9pm. Phoned for it the next day and was delighted to be told that it had not been nicked but handed in! See.... even the punters are nice honest people!
Top Pub so thanks to all who have made it that way!
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Love love love this pub, and have already mentioned this on the site. I dont find the change thing on a plate offensive as I used to work behind the bar myself and understand the logic behind it. Find it slightly depressing when people complain that Lordship Lane is declining down a gastro route and ruining the old pubs. Lordship Lane is flourishing, and if you dont like it, move somewhere else! The Forresters was a hole that nobody with any pub taste went to. It was filthy dirty and the food was frozen shite. The manager of this place always reminds me of my old boss when i worked in a pub back home in Lancaster; always thinking, good to his staff and attentive to customers, putting them first. This old boss of mine has only just retired after 20 years in the business and the pub has been taken over to match his style exactly, changing nothing. May The Bishop prosper...tis by far the best! Have to admit the day time creche is a bit annoying...but then maybe I should be at work and not in the pub in the day time...so my fault! ;)
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Had a really nice evening the first time. Loved the look and style of the place not to mention the dog. Second time less keen as a fist fight broke out and it took ages for the bar staff to sort it out.
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Silver(stainless steel)trays? I got a brass tray the other day. Felt quite tight for taking back the 25p, but remembered that the drinks are quite expensively priced, so the guilt slipped away quietly from my soul.
On a separate note, if that magician was any good he'd have made himself disappear.
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I have just moved back to East Dulwich after 1 year away, and I am amazed at how much Lordship Lane has changed in 12 months!!!!
The Bishop is the best bar on the road, although it has stiff competition.
I love the decor, and the service is phenomenal. I went their on Saturday with my Parents, who are in their 50�s, and they loved it too. It is trendy, but I like the fact that it is not intimidating. Will definitely be going again.
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The silver(stainless steel) tray is just part of a long overdue progression in standards within pubs. It does make it easier for customers to reward good service. A little easier than 'have a drink yourself, love/mate'(It is not compulsory)it also allows me to train staff to serve quickly and efficently in an often busy environment. Anyone who has worked behind bars (no, not prison) will know that the majority of customers will be chatting, looking elsewhere, checking out the clientelle etc...at the very moment you have to hand over the change. AND during the 8 years I have been using the trays NO ONE has ever had their change stolen by abother customer(as was suggested in an earlier comment)
We COULD do away with the tray; so should we also do away with table service (with no service charge), clean glasses, plenty of ice, fresh fruit garnishes, air con, smoke purifiers, thoughtful background music, clean toilets, happy staff and food cooked on the premises?
as a footnote NUNOBENSEN perhaps you could tell me some of those stories, as I have an awful memory.
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Sorry forgot in the post below.
The little silver tray thing for the change really is rubbish... please, please stop or next thing we'll be getting it in bluddy Somerfield.
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I could tell you stories about the owner that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up (especially is you are a young lady).
Good pub and always quite good fun. If a bit self-counciously trendy trendy for my taste. Top marks for the nice bar staff.
Fingers crossed the Bishop gets extended hours so that terrible liqourice bar up the road isn't the only place to get a late drink.
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the 'ale fresco' was incorrectly priced, is now �2.80
we will be playing close attention to naughty little children.
yes, the owner is single.
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Was in the Bishop for lunch last week and Im sorry to say it was like a creche. There was a baby who looked about 9 months old crawling all over the floor (health and safety issues) and lots of other kids running all over the place making a dreadful noise accompanied by disinterested mothers. I think the owners need to get this into control. If kids go in they should be made to sit and behave. Nice pub but we had to leave because we couldnt stand the noise of badly behaved children.
anonymous - 28 Aug 2005 15:54 |
The Bishop is a great pub, it has friendly staff, and good food. Not many owners would be bothered to post on this site. Is he single?
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Just for the record, the beer for which I was charged �2.90 was a Greene King beer I hadn't come across before (Alfresco?). Summer-type seasonal beer, admittedly a nice pint and well kept, which even at that price was preferable to the ropey pint of Director's for which I paid �2.28 elsewhere this week. I can't find Alfresco in my Good Beer Guide to check the strength but I think it said 4.5% ABV on the pump clip.
I find the "change in a tray" business rather impolite and impersonal, especially as I wasn't chatting to anyone else and was paying full attention to the barman serving me. I've come across this policy in a few pubs and bars and always assumed it is an invitation to leave some of the change behind in the form of a tip, which didn't impress me given the price I was paying in the first place. I'd also suggest it creates considerable scope for arguments to occur if the change is incorrect, i.e. were you short-changed by the barman or did another customer swipe it while you weren't looking?
Anyway, I appreciate managers who take the trouble to give feedback on this site. As I said, the Bishop is obviously what a lot of people want so Scott must be doing a good job. It's just not for me. The fact is that all the pubs in this area seem to have changed in the same direction in a short space of time and those of us who aren't interested in the food menu and just want a few pints in a traditional no-frills boozer have become somewhat alienated.
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As the owner of 'the bishop' I thought I'd take the liberty and post my own comments regarding observations already posted. re ANONYMOUS: the third rate magician is honing his act for his upcoming TV show, he charges nothing and is generally very well received. I guess had he been really good he would have made the scary youths disappear. I only hope you take a chance and pay a second visit.
RICH66. I do consider it a PUB. The ale we charge �2.90 for should have been ABBOT or OLD SPECKLED HEN 5% and 5.2% respectively.(neither medium strength). The change is placed on the bar in a stainless steel tray so that the staff can work quickly and effectively without interupting customers who may be chatting. Whereas being a brewery leasehold I have to buy all my beer at inflated prices (therefore forcing 2.90 a pint)the food is not affected , so is generally perceived to be of a great standard at excellent prices. I do sincerely appreciate all of your comments and hope you come again
scott
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Is this supposed to be a pub? �2.90 for a pint of medium strength bitter and they plonk your change down on the bar in an ashtray/saucer thingy instead of handing it to you. First time I've been in sice it was The Foresters Arms, which was the last of the seven pubs on the main road from Denmark Hill station leading round through the heart of East Dulwich to succumb to the advance of the gastropub/cafe-bar.
It was quite nicely fitted out and there were plenty of customers so it's obviously what a lot of people want, but it's not for me.
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bewildered by the third rate magician who hallowed the establisment. Puzzled by the Un-scary youths who thought it was great fun to eyeball me whilst supping a pint. Not a very good first impression.
anonymous - 15 Aug 2005 17:40 |
Fantastic pub! Excellent service, friendly staff, great tunes (the best i have ever known a pub to play), lovely food, great decor. All in all fab!
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I love this pub. The staff are friendly, the food is nice and the decor is to die for.
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I do enjoy visiting this bar. The best wine selection by far in East Dulwich and fantastic big glasses. Staff are friendly and the Eggs Benedict are to die for!
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Nobody has mentioned the cool dog that this pub has. A beautiful grey weimararma (totally spelled that wrong) it is such a character and walks about the pub like it owns the place.
I really like this bar, good food, in particular I would recommend the beef burger which is delicious.
Generally a really nice atmosphere in the place and the bar staff seem friendly.
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Went here last night with a few mates, and it was really nice. The staff were cool and didn't sneer at us which we often get at the dog. Really friendly. I had the ham and brie sanwich and it was sooooooo damn good, really tasty. 1 of my friends had the burger and said it was very very tasty, and the other 2 had the unlevened bread with houmus(sp?) and said it was excellent. Good music, good vibe, i love it. Just not enough sugar in the cheesecake for our liking. Sorry. But ill definately come back, because I love it.
Go Bishop xx
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As a pub/bar this place is great. It has a really friendly vibey atmosphere. the wine is great and very reasonable priced. The one thing which is not so great however, is the food. I have eaten here on three occassions with my wife. I have asked for the steak to be medium/welldone. On both occassions it has been cooked very very well done. I have had the fish and chips and unfortunately that disappointed with a bland and soggy batter - the same problem with the skate "knobs". My wife has has the squid with chilli and just about blew her mouth of as a result of way way too much chilli. She also tried the burger which she felt was over dry. All this and the food really isnt cheap at all. The fish is �6 (i think) sounds reasonable but not when you then add on 2.50 for chips. I can go to the Sea Cow and get a whole cod fillet and chips for less - not the half a fillet that I got. Seems like a big moan - its not intended that way as I do like this place and just dont want to see it let itself down a bit whith its food.
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I love this new bar - have been twice since it opened about 2 weeks ago. Interior is great, interesting sketches of gigs on the walls and fab lighting, good mixture of furniture (tables, booths and stools), staff are very nice, friendly and speedy. Haven't tried the food yet but what we saw looked lovely. Fab HUGE real wine glasses which I've never seen in a pub before. The owner made sure everyone felt welcome and offered to bring drinks to our table, saw my glass was empty and asked me by name if I wanted another - totally my sort of place. Definitely my new local, just grateful it's only a short walk home!!
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Just moved to East Dulwich from Clapham High St and this pub is great. Very good prices, over friendly staff which is a rarity. Will be making this into my local!
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Went to this pub for the first time on 25/03/05. It had just re-opened after a major refurb... you could still smell the fresh paint. It's a very cool bar with a good selection of drinks. didn't try the food so can't comment on that.
However, I must say that the staff were excellent. Prompt, friendly and faultless service. The publican took the time to remember many patrons names (on a very busy night), which was a particularly nice touch.
When I'm next in the area, I'll certainly be dropping in. I recommend you do too.
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